Don't Be A Fool

Proverbs 12:15  “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.  NLT
“The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to counsel is wise.” AMPC
 
Growing up, my mother taught me to never call anyone a “fool”.  I inquired why, and this was her wise answer. “Because, the Bible says that a “fool” is one that is rebellious to the Word of God and His ways and it is an insult to call someone a “fool.”  Therefore, the word fool became one of the “Forbidden four-letter words” in our home.

Through the years of studying God’s Word, I found out that Mama was right, (as usual) this is not a word you want to be identified with!  
 
In Proverbs 12:15, this particular definition for the word “fool” in Hebrew (Strongs 191) means : “A person who is morally stubborn, resistant to correction, and refuses to take correction or counsel. It pictures a person who is spiritually calloused.”  
 
Proverbs here is describing a person who trusts their own opinion above wisdom and refuses guidance of any kind.  Because they reject correction, they tend to repeat the same mistakes again and again.  This is not a person who lacks knowledge;  It’s someone who rejects instruction.  
 
One of the clearest signs of wisdom is the willingness to learn.  A wise person understands that growth requires correction and that instruction strengthens the structure of life.  
But the “fool” sees correction as an insult rather than an opportunity to learn and grow.  
Instead of adjusting they defend themselves, protect their pride and continue in the same direction.  
 
Our loving Father God places wise voices, pastors, teachers, mentors and Scripture in our lives to help us stay aligned with Truth.  When we receive instruction with humility, wisdom deepens and our judgment becomes sharper.  Pride weakens the foundation of life, but humility strengthens it!  
 
Wisdom Statement:  
Wisdom grows wherever humility welcomes instruction.  
Father God, I choose to have a teachable spirit and remain in the place of humility.  Help me to receive correction with grace and wisdom so my life may be built upon Your Truth.